FOTD: Lise Watier Rivages Collection

Summer for me means bronze skin & cinnamon tans (anyone get the reference? I love this song, btw). Since I tan really easily, that means a change in makeup becomes necessary and I especially like the look of cooler neutrals for a sun-kissed and unfussy look. That's where Lise Watier's Summer 2015 collection, Rivages, comes in.

Inspired by the beach, the new products and colours are the perfect complement to summer tans. I was lucky enough to be sent most of the collection and could not wait to start playing with everything. I mean, look at how pretty it all is!

The star is, of course, the Palette Rivages Eyeshadows, a gorgeous palette with a mother of pearl cover that houses 10 neutral shades. The shadows feature Lise Watier's signature powder-cream formula, which is a little hard to describe. The texture is on the harder side (don't expect a "buttery" application) but seems to work with these shimmers. I applied the 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow in Sexy Glam, a pale pink stick eyeshadow, as a base before layering on the rose gold and taupe shadows from the palette. For a smudgy but still defined eye, I used an angle brush with the darkest shadow as a liner and the Smokey Kohl Velours in Nude Velours to line my bottom waterline.

Lise Watier releases a new bronzer every summer and this year's is the Rivages Bronzing Powder. It's a baked marble of bronze, pink, and gold that adds a nice glow to the skin. I also love the new Blush Fondant Suprême in Sand which is a beautiful muted rose pink. Rouge Sublime Lipstick in Amour finished off this very pink-themed look.

For a full list of the products used in this FOTD, be sure to check out my submission this week to the FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel.

Lise Watier Rivages is limited edition and can be purchases online or in select retailers like London Drugs until the end of July.

FOTD: Inspired by MAC Cosmetics Lightness of Being

An interesting take on a winter collection, MAC Cosmetics Lightness of Being is full of cool and frosty pastels that drew me in the second I saw the promo pictures. It certainly helps that most of the products also feature the brand's Mineralize formula which I absolutely love (see my review of the Mineralize Rich Lipsticks). So, inspired by a few products I was sent from the collection, I thought I'd put together a light and airy makeup look.

On my eyes, I am wearing MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Uninhibited, a shimmery light grey that is divided in the pan (half pearl/half frost). To add some definition, some simple cat eye liner was next. If you're looking for a jet black eyeliner that's easy to use and has excellent staying power, I highly recommend Make Up For Ever Graphic Liner in Vinyl Black, one of MUFE's newest liner releases.

On my cheeks, I am wearing MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade which has been a longtime MAC fan fave. This version features the shimmery pale peach with lavender marble that Lightscapade is known for  but also comes in a limited edition embossed knit pattern. For an additional touch of light colour, I applied Lise Watier Blush Creme Satin in Rose Eden on the apples of my cheeks.

On my lips, I am wearing MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup (not from the Lightness of Being Collection but a great light pink if you're in need of one). Topping that, I applied MAC Mineralize Lipglass in Poetic, which is a very sheer champagne pink with a pearlescent finish.

For a full list of products I'm wearing, check out my post on this week's FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel!

Holiday Rose Gold FOTD

It's been ages since I've done a FOTD, so I figured now was as good a time as any since we're right in the middle of holiday party season. I adore rose gold (see my review of Urban Decay's Naked3 Palette, a perennial rose gold favourite) so I decided to use this lovely shade as inspiration for this look.

I first started off with Marcelle Ideal Skin Perfector, which is supposed to be used prior to moisturizer (the company touts it as being to skin care what BB cream is to makeup). Next, I applied MAC Prep + Prime in Natural Radiance for an overall glow.

On my face, I am wearing L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation in Natural Buff, a new long-wearing oil-resistant foundation. For some subtle shimmer, I used the YSL Touche Éclat in Rose Gold (which you might remember seeing on my Instagram a few months ago) topped off with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose as a blush.

I wanted a very soft light pink for my eyes so I started with Lise Watier 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow Pencil in Satin Glam as a base. Next, I applied the pink shade in the Lise Watier Quatuor Féline, which was a limited edition Fall 2014 palette, all over my lids and added the champagne colour under my brows as a highlight. For some extra glam, I am wearing ESQIDO mink lashes in Unforgettable with NYX Two Timer Liner in Jet Black. I have reviewed ESQIDO lashes before and they remain my favourite false lashes as they are super comfortable to wear and look so pretty on.

Since this makeup look is not overtly showy, I think the statement lip really pulls it together. This is Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Confident, a richly pigmented berry fuschia.

Phew -- that was a lot of products! To keep all my hard work intact, I spritzed on the new L'Oreal Infallible Pro Spray & Set Makeup Extender, which is the company's first makeup setting spray for the mass market. It's a lot like the Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Sprays except more easily accessible since you can find it at your local drugmart.

And while we're at it, I might as well show my winter nails too... this is an alternating mani featuring Avon Gel Finish Nail Polish in Alaska and Iceberg White. I love the Gel Finish line (the formula applies like a dream and is very glossy), and you can't go wrong with either of these colours. 

P.S. Be sure to check out my post on this week's FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel for more pictures of my holiday hair from this look -- an easy braided headband!

Fresh Face: Biotherm Aquasource

Fresh faced "no makeup" makeup is always popular, but the key to making it work best is, in my opinion, great skin. After all, your skin is the canvas to every look, so why wouldn't you want to keep it in tip-top shape?

This past month, I, along with a few other members of the FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel have been testing out BIOTHERM's iconic AQUASOURCE line. Formulated with thermal plankton cellular water, these products offer long-lasting deep hydration without the heaviness of more rich creams.

The Deep Serum is incredibly light and absorbs quickly. Similarly, the Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel for Normal/Combination Skin feels fresh and preps my skin perfectly.

In line with the minimal makeup theme, I've also been using a combination of the AQUASOURCE CC Gel and BB Cream. The CC Gel is a unique transparent gel that appears to have the slightest hint of colour once you rub it in. It's intended to minimize imperfections in a very subtle way. Topped with the BB cream, which I like to apply with my Ecotools Skin Perfecting Brush (c/o), coverage is light and somewhat dewy. I personally prefer a more matte look, however, so I often top with a powder.

For the full list of products used, be sure to check out my post on FASHION Magazine's website.

Valentine's Day FOTD: Lise Watier Imagine Collection

As I've mentioned before, I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day but when Lise Watier's Imagine Collection showed up in my mailbox I knew it was perfect for a themed makeup look. Released for Spring 2014, the collection features beautiful watercolour packaging (see what it looks like here) and delicate colours based around a perfectly pink palette. I usually stay away from pink eyeshadows because they make me look tired but this particular shade of pink seems to suit my skintone just fine.

The collection features a few limited edition items like the gorgeous mosaic blush and eyeshadow palette pictured below. Both are only available until April so you'll want to get your hands on them before they sell out. Lise Watier has also introduced a few new products into their regular line, including the Magic Lip Colour Enhancer which adjusts to your lips' pH levels for a customized colour (obsessed!).

Here's what I used to create this FOTD:

Imagine Blush, Quatuor Imagine Eyeshadow Quartet

Duo Glam Rouge Infini Lipstick Duo in Tender Pink Glam (regular product),

and Waterproof Eyeliner in Smokey Grey (regular product)

This look was also recently featured on the FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel. Be sure to check out that post for the full list of all the products used. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

NYE FOTD: Lise Watier Jardin de Givre

NYE is the perfect excuse for some super glittery makeup that might otherwise seem a bit overdone any other time of the year and thankfully Jardin de Givre by Lise Watier, is here to deliver. When I received this Winter 2013 collection in the mail last month it just screamed "New Years" to me.

The collection contains a range of absolutely gorgeous products encased in frosty white packaging and adorned with sparkling peacock feather designs. The two stars include the Palette Jardin de Givre, which features seven shimmering eyeshadows (including a very sparkly silver glitter) and a silky black cream liner, and the Jardin de Givre Illuminating Powder, which can be dusted on the face and décolleté for a luminous glow.

Here's what I used to create my NYE FOTD (see here for the full range of products in the Jardin de Givre Collection):

Palette Jardin de Givre, Jardin de Givre Illuminating Powder 

Rouge Sublime Lumière Lipstick in Rouge Satin

To complete the look, I decided to put on this jewelled headband from mark. (c/o) that matches my eye makeup perfectly. Ever since my recent haircut, I've been wearing my hair in its natural straight state more often so I opted for that as opposed to my typical curls. To get a sleeker look, I spritz my hair with OSiS+ Blow & Go Smooth ($21 CAD) which is similar to the Blow & Go Thick used in this post except it calms the frizzies rather than adding volume.

This look was also my most recent FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel submission. Be sure to check out that post for the full list of products I used. Oh, and...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Holiday Party FOTD: Revlon Evening Opulence Collection

This week, the FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel was challenged to create a holiday party look, which I took as the perfect opportunity to use some new holiday products recently sent to me by Revlon. The Evening Opulence Collection by Gucci Westman, Revlon's Global Artistic Advisor, brings together a stunning palette of sparkly, rich jewel tones that just screams glitz & glamour. Be sure to check out my submission on FASHIONmagazine.com here!

Nail Enamels in Elusive and Rich / PhotoReady Primer, Shadow + Sparkle Eye Palette in Muse

ColorBurst Lipgloss in Adorned

As a huge fan of purple smokey eye looks, it should come as no surprise that my favourite item from the Evening Opulence Collection is the PhotoReady Primer, Shadow + Sparkle Eye Palette ($12.95 CAD) in Muse. These palettes are interesting because the bottom left shade (in this palette, a sparkly light greenish-blue) is supposed to act as a primer while the bottom right shade (in this palette, a deep green) is supposed to be a sparkle top coat. The purples applied great but I actually also found the deep green to be pigmented enough to act as eyeshadow on its own, and even used it as a liner for my bottom lashes.

If you've never tried a ColorBurst Lipgloss ($10.50 CAD) before, you absolutely must. These glosses are super pigmented with apparently 5x more shine than patent leather. Adorned is a juicy watermelon pink with tiny micro-shimmers that really plumps the lips. So pretty! If you're more of a plum lover, look for Embellished, which is the second lipgloss available this holiday season.

Lastly, there are four new Nail Enamels ($5.95 CAD each), of which I have two. Rich is an interesting silvery-olive green foil that I quite like. The formula is thin but applies evenly so I only needed two coats to reach opacity. Elusive looked most interesting in the bottle... perhaps like a cheaper dupe for a Deborah Lippmann polish. However, I was surprised to find that it dried matte! Weird. I feel like the matte finish really takes away from the dimension this polish could have so I'll probably wear it with a shiny topcoat instead. Nonetheless, kudos to Revlon for coming up with something different.

The Evening Opulence Collection by Gucci Westman for Revlon Holiday 2013 is now available at drugstores and mass retailers.

Geometric Nail Art: LACC Nail Enamel in 1977 & Butter London Trout Pout

After a few days of sporting this gorgeous turquoise nail polish on its own, I decided to refresh my manicure with some easy geometric nail art. Not only was the colour combination fun to wear, but this actually ended up being a great way to hide a few little chips.

To get the look above, I used LACC Nail Enamel in 1977 as my base (LACC is a great Vegan-friendly line started by a fellow Vancouverite) before adding triangular-shapes with Butter London Trout Pout and Kiss Nail Art Paint in White. For a glossy effect, I finished off with AVON Speed Dry Top Coat (c/o).

P.S. These nails are also featured in a recent FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel challenge on summertime nails - be sure to check it out here!

FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel: Canada Day Nails

HAPPY CANADA DAY! I wish I could be BBQ-ing and relaxing today but unfortunately I have spent the entire long weekend packing/moving, making countless trips to furniture stores, and trying to come up with a suitable organization system for my new apartment. So stressful. So not fun.

But hey... at least my nails are showing a little spirit!

Layla Pro in GB31, Essie Blanc, AVON Nail Art Enamel in Reviving Red

I've clearly been on a bit of a nail art streak lately (see my recent pastel rose & stripes manicure and nautical nails) so when the Fashion Magazine Beauty Panel was challenged to create some patriotic nail art, I had to participate. Check out the full post here.

Tutorial: Pastel Rose & Stripes Manicure

I know rose/flower nail art is nothing new but I was playing around with the Essie Bridal 2013 Collection recently and thought the colours would lend themselves nicely to this easy pastel rose & stripes mani.

I opted for Using My Maiden Name (an iridescent violet inspired by hydrangeas) as my base colour and My Better Half (a blue-toned pink inspired by peonies) as my base rose colour. For the rose highlight colour and stripes, I used AVON Nail Art Enamel in Cupid, Styled Green for the leaves, and Kiss Nail Art Paint in Silver Glitter also for the stripes.

1. Paint on your base colour and let dry.
2. To create the roses, dab your base rose colour in roundish shapes randomly on each nail.
3. Add the rose highlight colour to the roses to create some dimension.
4. Add leaves to the side of each rose.
5. Paint on stripes if you decide to have an accent nail (or two).

Lastly, finish with a top coat (I used AVON UV Gloss Guard Top Coat) to protect your work and keep your nails looking shiny.

The stripes are, of course, totally optional but I thought they added a bit of whimsy. Next time, however, I'm planning on sticking with roses on all my nails for a full-on floral explosion!


P.S. This nail look is also featured as my contribution to this week's FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel challenge on how to wear pastel makeup. Be sure to check out the post here.

FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel: Music Festival Makeup (with MAC Cosmetics Baking Beauties Collection)

With the second weekend of Coachella only one day away, us members of the FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel were tasked with the fun challenge of creating festival-inspired hair & makeup looks. Be sure to check out the full post here!

Conveniently, MAC Cosmetics just released Baking Beauties, its Summer 2013 Collection, which is full of gorgeous cupcake-inspired pastels that look good enough to eat. While I'll be nowhere near Indio, California this weekend, I thought the light colours were perfect for the subtle but glowy look I picture faring well at a music festival. After all, you don't want to spend too much time slapping on products and worrying about your makeup when you should be enjoying yourself.

Nail Lacquer in Confectionary, Pearlmatte Face Powder in In For A Treat

Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm in Sweet Tooth, Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Éclair

In addition to the Baking Beauties products I was sent from MAC, here's what else I used to complete my look: Garnier BB Cream Oil-Free Miracle Skin Perfector in Light, Lise Watier Dramatique Intense 3D Volume Mascara, NARS Orgasm Blush, and Rimmel Airy Fairy Lipstick.

As for my hair, I followed all of the same steps in my beachy wave tutorial, using LUSH Sea Spray to add texture, and topped with a DIY flower crown.

FASHION Magazine Beauty Panel: Day to Night Makeup

This post is my first as a member of FASHION Magazine's Beauty Panel (exciting!) and it just so happens that this week's challenge was a day-to-night one - something I've been meaning to write about for ages but never got around to.

When it comes to day-to-night makeup, my philosophy is that the day look is always the most important. Your day look acts as the "base" for your night makeup so having a strong foundation means you only need to add a few extra products before you're ready for a night on the town. This is especially useful for those of us who need to quickly transition from work to play and don't feel like adding much additional weight to our bags.


DAY

Since face and eye primers help makeup stay on longer, I always start with these. Next, I use a foundation that I know won't cake up by the end of the day and carefully select products that can be easily built upon later. For me, this means neutral eye makeup, a basic blush, and a "my lips but better" shade of lipstick.

Face
- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (here)
- Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation (here)

Eyes
- Urban Decay Primer Potion (here)
- Lise Watier Ombre Soufflé Suprême in Taupe Fantasia
- Vasanti Silky Eyeshadow in Brasilia
- Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten
- Annabelle Smudge Liner in Muddy
- Lise Watier Dramatique Intense 3D Volume Mascara

Cheeks
- MAC Blush in Melba

Lips
- MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Posh Tone


NIGHT

For going out, I tend to prefer the smokey eye/nude lip combo over the statement lip so that is what I decided to go with this time. To amp up my eye makeup, I added some black eyeshadow into my crease, black liner, and false lashes. Next, I applied highlighter for a bit of shimmer and swapped out my daytime lipstick with a pale lipstick & lipgloss combo. As you can see, a few extra products and I'm ready to go!

Eyes
- MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon
- Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero (here)
- Eylure Naturalites False Lashes

Cheeks
- NARS The Multiple in Copacabana (here)

Lips
- MAC Lipstick in Blankety
- NARS Turkish Delight Lipgloss (here)

Other products in my arsenal include a face powder like my favourite MAC Blot Powder or a setting spray like Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish, which can also come in handy to keep my makeup looking fresh all day long.